Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani’s Last Photo Surfaces After Ahmedabad Plane Crash

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Last Updated:June 12, 2025, 19:39 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The photo, taken by a fellow passenger, shows Vijay Rupani seated inside the aircraft just before takeoff.

A final photograph and video of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, capturing moments before the Air India Flight AI171 crash, surfaced on social media. The photo, taken by a fellow passenger, shows Vijay Rupani seated inside the aircraft just before takeoff. In a separate video that has now gone viral, the senior BJP leader is seen completing boarding formalities.

Vijay Rupani, 68, was among the over 200 people killed when the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. Gujarat BJP chief C.R. Patil confirmed his death, calling it a “great loss to the BJP family."

He said, “Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was also on that flight. Vijay Rupani died in this tragedy. May God grant peace to his soul. This is a great loss for the BJP family as well."

Vijay Rupani served as the 17th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, and remained active in political life until recently. Known for his composed demeanour and grassroots connect, he was a prominent figure in state politics and the BJP’s national framework.

Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar penned an emotional tribute, writing, “Extremely saddened and heartbroken to learn that Sh. Vijay Rupani ji was on board the ill-fated Air India plane which crashed today in Ahmedabad. His contributions as Gujarat CM would be cherished forever. He was a humble and compassionate human being and a grassroots leader."

Vijay Rupani- whose political journey spanned decades- was a committed member of the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was imprisoned during the Emergency and later rose through the ranks, serving as a Rajya Sabha MP, Mayor of Rajkot and state cabinet minister before assuming the chief ministership.